Buzz
Ever find yourself questioning why two people seem unusually close lately? Or perhaps you've noticed a pair of colleagues growing closer in a way that's more than just casual friendship. There could be many reasons why two individuals may prefer to keep their connection private, but if you're curious about what's going on, here are a few clues to help you figure out if they're secretly dating.
Steps
They share frequent eye contact.
Attraction often makes it hard to look away. If you have a hunch that two people are secretly a couple, observe how often they glance at each other. You’ll likely see them exchange glances or even lock eyes across the room when they’re in the same vicinity.
- They may also hold eye contact longer than usual and smile when they realize the other person is looking at them.
They smile when they’re around each other.
Smiling is a sign of showing interest in someone. If the two individuals you suspect have suddenly become much more smiley or laugh a lot when they're together, they might be in a relationship. This is especially true if they weren't naturally very smiley before and you notice a change in their demeanor.
- Reader Poll: We asked 187 Mytour readers whether they think it's a good sign if you feel happier and more confident around the person you're dating, and 94% answered Yes! [Take Poll]
They seem to get restless.
When they spot each other, they might start fidgeting or tapping their feet. This could be because they feel excited or even nervous to see each other. Watch one of them as the other enters the room—they might start moving more than usual, even if they were calm earlier.
- They could also be a bit anxious because they're keeping their relationship secret. It’s not easy to hide something like this from everyone you know, even if it's a fun secret.
They adjust their appearance when the other is near.
People often make an effort to look their best for someone they like! If you notice that your friend quickly adjusts their hair or touches up their makeup when the other person enters the room, they might be secretly seeing each other (or at least attracted to them). They might even straighten their clothes or sit up a bit more to appear more polished.
They make an effort to touch each other.
They might lightly tap each other's hand or arm. Even if it's not the most convenient moment, if your friends are secretly dating, they might find little ways to share some physical contact. Crossing the touch barrier means they’re comfortable with one another, which could be a sign they’re secretly dating.
- On the other hand, some people may feel that physical touches could give them away, so they might go out of their way not to touch each other.
They mimic each other’s body language.
They may sit or stand in the same manner. Mirroring someone’s body language is usually a subconscious action that happens because you like them. Observe your friends and how they interact—if you notice them crossing their legs the same way or leaning against a wall in the same direction, they might be unintentionally copying each other.
- People often do this without realizing it. If you point it out, your friends will likely be unaware of it.
Allan and Barbara Pease, Experts in Body Language
To figure out if two people are secretly dating, observe their body language. Unconscious mirroring, seeking closeness, and small touches can reveal a deeper connection. They might appear nervous or overly self-aware when they’re near each other, trying to keep up a specific image. Often, their non-verbal cues can say more about their relationship than words ever could.
They move closer to each other.
When two people are interested in each other, they tend to enter each other’s personal space. Watch how closely your friends stand when talking or how they lean in toward each other while seated. If it feels a bit too close for comfort, they might be secretly dating.
- Most likely, your friends are doing this instinctively without even realizing it.
They engage in playful flirting.
Have you noticed your friends teasing each other more recently? Or perhaps they're giving each other compliments in a way that feels a bit more than friendly. If they're constantly flirting, it's a good indicator that there might be romantic interest, or perhaps they’re already dating.
- However, if your friends tend to be naturally flirty, they may be trying to cover up their relationship by acting shy or reserved. Any change in their usual behavior could signal that something more is going on.
They tend to find each other in group settings.
You might notice they always seem to end up close to each other at social gatherings. Whether it's a party, class, or meeting, they might always end up sitting together. No matter the situation, you'll find them side by side, even if it’s not the most convenient arrangement.
- Alternatively, if they’re trying to keep their relationship under wraps, they might purposely avoid each other more than usual. If they’re now making a conscious effort to distance themselves, it could be a sign that they’re secretly dating.
Their voices shift when they speak to each other.
If they’re attracted to each other, their voices might change in pitch. When people are drawn to someone, their voices unconsciously shift in tone. You may notice that your friends sound a little different when they’re speaking to each other compared to when they talk to you. This could be an indication that they are dating.
- Pay close attention when they greet each other—that’s when you’ll most likely hear the shift in their voices.
They spend more time alone together.
They used to hang out in groups, but now they spend time alone together. This shift could indicate that they’re going on secret dates. You could try asking casually, “So, what did you two do this weekend?”
- If they’re keeping their relationship under wraps, they might brush it off with a harmless excuse like going to the movies or grabbing a bite to eat.
They share a hug when saying goodbye.
They might linger in the hug a little longer than usual. If you notice your friends seem reluctant to let go of each other when it's time to say goodbye, it could be a sign that they’re secretly dating. A hug that lasts longer than the typical friendly embrace might be a subtle clue that there’s something more between them.
